Candled - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

past tense

Candled refers to the action of using a candle or light source to inspect eggs for fertility or development. This method is usually performed in the process of incubating bird eggs to detect whether an embryo is present.

Synonyms

examined, illuminated, inspected.

Examples of usage

The farmer candled the eggs to check for fertilization.
She carefully candled each egg in the incubator.
During the class, we learned how to candle duck eggs.
The students watched as the teacher candled the chicken eggs.

Interesting Facts

Science

The process allows the observer to see the air cell and blood vessels in the egg, indicating its viability.
Candling is often performed around a week after the egg is laid, as the embryo grows and becomes visible.
The technique can also reveal signs of infertility or development issues, helping in farming practices.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, candling eggs is a traditional practice among poultry farmers to ensure quality before hatching.
In some regions, candlelight vigils are held as a metaphor for hope and life, parallel to the term used in egg inspection.
Some artisan egg producers use candling as part of their marketing to emphasize the freshness and quality of their products.

Education

The process is often used in biology education to teach students about embryonic development and animal reproduction.
Workshops on candling techniques can provide hands-on experience for aspiring farmers and hobbyists.
Teachers demonstrate candling in science classes to illustrate lighting techniques and the importance of vision in examining biology.

Pop Culture

Candling is frequently referenced in cooking shows where the freshness or quality of ingredients is discussed.
The practice has appeared in documentaries about farm life, showcasing how it's crucial for poultry management.
In some films, eggs are used as symbols of life, and candling serves as a narrative device to explore themes of growth and potential.

Origin of 'candled'

Main points about word origin

The term 'candled' comes from the old practice of using candles to illuminate objects.
In early French, the word 'candle' is derived from 'candela,' which means 'to shine' or 'to glow.'
The action of candling dates back to ancient times when farmers would use various light sources to inspect eggs.

The term 'candled' originates from the root word 'candle', which has its etymology traced back to the Latin 'candela', meaning 'a light, a torch'. The use of candles dates back thousands of years, with various civilizations utilizing them for light and rituals. The specific practice of candling eggs emerged as a method to determine their viability during the incubation process. It gained prominence in the early 20th century as poultry farming became more commercialized and techniques for breeding and incubation improved. Candling allows farmers and breeders to efficiently sort and select eggs for incubation, which enhances their productivity.

Candled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations